Riptide

06/28/10

Riptide in Mission Viejo

by MilesHeggi at Citysearch

Riptide has become a part of Orange County (along with Chomp, its counterpart in Fullerton), partly because it seems to be one of the few businesses in the Kaleidoscope that has flourished (others being the theater and Islands). Its success is understandable when you see the stylish, spacious interior and the large island that the sushi chefs stand in. The size of this huge island gives a lot of room to the sushi bar. You can stretch out and get comfy while waiting for your fish fix. There’s also an impressive waterfall-wall type decoration, and a big shiny motorcycle on a kind of pedestal that makes it feel like a nice attention-getting centerpiece. It all comes together to make a space that’s tailored to the nightlife crowd, with an impressive bar, big gleaming teppan yaki tables and the the large colorful aquarium in the front.

While Riptide fully embraces the “fun” approach to atmosphere, don’t think this is a bad thing where the food is concerned. Huge pink slabs of salmon were draped over a cutting board, just waiting to be artfully prepared. The tuna was deep ruby red, as it should be, and had good firm texture. As I sipped my Sapporo, a new roll came that was wrapped not in rice, but carved strips of cucumber. The contrast between the red tuna and the green cucumber really popped, and it lent itself to pictures well. I am usually more into fish than rolls, but the cucumber wrapping was a nice alternative to rice. The veggies were watery and crisp, and it felt even lighter than sushi usually does. I will definitely get something like this again.

The message to take away is that you’ll have a great time at Riptide. Try and get a seat on a Friday or Saturday – it will be a blast. Have some drinks, order some adventurous stuff, and you will not be disappointed. It’s not really a Japanese restaurant, (they have burgers and other standard kinds of stuff) but a night-spot where you can get some great food if you’re cool with the fact that it’s their own interpretation.

02/17/10

Rockin FUN!!!!

by the standard at Citysearch

I love this place I came here for the first time last week and was shocked! Its a totally cool, upbeat, beautiful restaurant. I never knew it was there (in the Kaleidoscope)

The food was awesome. The teppanyaki show was awesome! Our chef even swallowed fire! My kids loved it. Im glad I finally found a place my whole family loves. Totally a must try!!!

• Pros: Great Food, Service, Totally fun!!!
• Cons: Crowded

06/08/09

ROCKIN' SUSHI IS THE BOMB

by Danny27 at Citysearch

Where to start, the service was amazing. We threw my wife a surprise Birthday Party with Balloons and a cake with 30 candles and the staff was so awesome, thanks, my wife had a blast. The food was fantastic, the show was amazing, my 5 year old and 1 year old loved it and didnt complain once which is rare at a restaraunt. The sound system was great and the entire restaraunt looks awesome. I would definately recommend this place for a fun date, for a fun night out with a family with kids of all ages that want to get out and have fun, oh ya, did I mention the service was great. Thanks to all at Riptide Rockin' Sushi.....

Danny

• Pros: EXCELLENT SERVICE, AMANDA AND ROY!!!
• Cons: I ATE TOO MUCH AND THE OTHER REVIEWS ON HERE ARE RIDICULOUS!

05/25/09

GREAT Food

by mcnultykath at Citysearch

The food was amazing. I LOVE sushi and have some favorites that I get over and over. At Riptide, I was able to try new and very delicious combinations that I had never seen offered anywhere else. The "World Famous" Tornado Roll, Caliente Roll, Screamin' O' Roll and Explosion Roll are fantastic. The restaurant was very clean and well organized. The only complaint I have is they realy need to do something about the sound system - it is so bad.

• Pros: Amzing combinations not found anywhere else
• Cons: Music is loud and the sound system is not good

05/19/09

Not Good

by KW26101 at Citysearch

It was not good food, all show. I have friends that saw a dead rodent under their table and left mid meal.

• Cons: Mediocre Food